Heer Prashnavali - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, focusing on the life and teachings of Shri Hir Vijay Suri, as presented in the "Heer Prashnavali":

Book Title: Heer Prashnavali Author(s): Unknown Publisher: Unknown Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/023240/1

Summary:

The "Heer Prashnavali" is a collection of questions and answers, seemingly related to Jain doctrine and practice, initiated by various learned scholars and disciples addressed to venerable Jain Acharyas, primarily to Shri Hir Vijay Suri. The initial pages also present a biographical sketch of Shri Hir Vijay Suri, a highly revered Jain monk and scholar.

I. Biography of Shri Hir Vijay Suri (Pages 1-7):

Introduction: The text begins by emphasizing the eternal worship of heroes and great men, highlighting the sentiment of reverence and awe they inspire. It then introduces the biography of a "Dharmavir" (hero of Dharma) who journeyed through the vast expanse of religion.
Birth: Shri Hir Vijay Suri was born in the year 1583 (Vikram Samvat) in Palanpur, Gujarat, a prosperous city known for its temples. His parents were the devout Shravak Kunvarji Sheth and his wife Nathi Bai. Nathi Bai had a dream of a white, four-tusked elephant entering her womb, which was interpreted as her son being destined for great fame throughout India.
Childhood and Education: He was named Heer. By the age of twelve, he had mastered scriptures. After the passing of his parents, he moved to Patan with his sister.
Renunciation and Initiation (Diksha): Hearing the discourse of Shri Vijaydan Suri Maharaj on the suffering of the cycle of birth and death (samsara), Heerji was filled with detachment. Despite his sister's pleas and descriptions of the hardships faced by ascetics, his resolve for renunciation was unshaken. In 1596 (Vikram Samvat), he took initiation along with nine other individuals from Shri Vijaydan Suri Maharaj, and his name was changed to Muni Hirharsh.
Scholarly Achievements and Title of Suri: He obtained the title of Pandit in Nadulai (1607 VS) and then Vachak in Naradpur (1608 VS). While traveling with his Guru, he reached Shahi in Marwar. With the consent of the Shasan Devi (guardian deity), Shri Vijaydan Suri Maharaj conferred upon him the prestigious title of Mahant Suri in 1610 VS. He then became widely known as Shri Hir Vijay Suri.
Encounter with Emperor Akbar: When Shri Suriji was in Gandhar near Cambay, Emperor Jalal-ud-din Akbar, known for his curiosity about different religions, heard of his greatness. Akbar invited him to his court. Their first meeting was in Agra, where Akbar was deeply impressed by Suriji's compassionate teachings. Influenced by Shri Hir Vijay Suri, Akbar made a vow to abstain from meat for a few days each year and significantly reduced the unnecessary killing of animals, birds, and birds due to the Suriji's teachings. The text refers the reader to "Harmay" and "Vah Javy" for more detailed accounts of how he received the title of "Jagadguru."
Passing (Swarga Gaman): Following the universal law of nature, after periods of light comes darkness, and after happiness comes sorrow. Similarly, until a soul attains liberation, it must endure the cycle of birth and death. Even great kings and powerful beings have passed through this path. Shri Hir Vijay Suri, while traveling in Gujarat, arrived at the village of Una. Realizing his age was declining, he established Shri Vijaysen Acharya as his successor. Immersed in deep meditation, he attained salvation on the 11th of Bhadva Sud (month) in 1652 VS. He was the 58th spiritual successor after Lord Mahavir. His passing left a void, like the brilliance of a diamond lost, causing sorrow to the Jain community. The author concludes the biographical section here, feeling distressed by the loss of such a great and benevolent soul.

II. The "Prashnavali" (Collection of Questions and Answers):

The remaining pages (8 onwards) contain a series of questions posed by various scholars and disciples to different Acharyas, along with their answers. The primary focus is on resolving doctrinal ambiguities and clarifying specific practices within Jainism. These questions cover a wide range of topics, including:

The nature of ascetics and their conduct: Questions about the venerability of ascetics with minor flaws, the classification of misconduct, and the adherence to vows.
Rituals and practices: Details about worship, offerings, fasting, dietary restrictions (like consuming leftover food or specific items), the significance of certain days, and the correct procedures for various ceremonies.
Scriptural interpretations: Clarifications on verses, the meaning of specific terms, and the reconciliation of apparent contradictions between different texts.
Ethical conduct and social interactions: Guidance on dealing with people of other faiths, the importance of respect for all ascetics regardless of their outward behavior, and the consequences of good and bad deeds.
Cosmology and spiritual concepts: Inquiries about the nature of celestial beings, the principles of karma, and the stages of spiritual progress.
Specific rulings and traditions: Many questions relate to the practical application of rules in daily life and the historical context of certain practices.

Key Scholars and Disciples Posing Questions:

The text explicitly mentions the names of several scholars who posed questions, indicating a collaborative effort in clarifying Jain teachings:

Mahamahopadhyaya Shri Vimalkar Gani
Pandit Jagmal Gani
Pandit Nagsing Gani
Pandit Ravisagar Gani
Pandit Vivek Harsh Gani
Pandit Sumitivijay Gani's disciple Pandit Gunvijay Gani
Pandit Karkshing Gani
Pandit Anandvijay Ji
Pandit Kahanji Gani
Pandit Jasvijay Gani
Pandit Nagsing Gani
Pandit Vellum Gani
Pandit Devvijay Gani
Pandit Anand Sagar Gani
Pandit Kirtiharsh Gani
Pandit Nagsing disciple Gani Survijay
Jaisalmer Sangh
Devgiri Sangh
Chita village Sangh
Sidhpur Sangh
Dungarpur Sangh

Overall Purpose and Significance:

The "Heer Prashnavali" serves as a valuable compendium of Jain knowledge, offering insights into the meticulousness and depth of Jain scholarship. It showcases the tradition of questioning and seeking clarification from enlightened Acharyas to ensure the correct understanding and practice of Jain principles. The inclusion of Shri Hir Vijay Suri's biography highlights his pivotal role in the history of Jainism, particularly his influence on the Mughal Emperor Akbar, which brought significant positive attention and protection to the Jain faith. The Q&A section demonstrates the intellectual rigor and devotional commitment of the Jain community in preserving and propagating their religious heritage.